From the hand of Edgar P. Jacobs We receive the complete second volume of Blake and Mortimer featuring the adventures of this 1940s couple in a magnificent edition published by Norma Editorial

Editorial standard continues to compile the stories of Blake and Mortimertwo true icons of classic European adventure comics. The complete second volume contains three of his most emblematic adventures, originally published in the late 1940s and titled The Yellow Mark, The Enigma of Atlantis Yes SOS Meteors.

The yellow sign

After the episodic adventures presented in the first complete volume, in this second volume we find the first self-contained story published by the former student of Giorgio Remiwith who Edgar P. Jacobs He collaborated on the famous stories of Tintin. Even if it is true that Remí’s influence is palpable in the stories of Blake and Mortimer, by comparing the two fictions we can assure that the one written exclusively by Jacobs is both superior in quality and lower in fame than the one starring the Belgian youth journalist.

Here we will be introduced to a villain who gives the album its title, the Yellow mark. In the wake of the detective serials of the time, this criminal warns the press where he will strike the next blow, demonstrating his value by reaching his goal despite this. And he always leaves the mark in yellow chalk as a signature that he did so. After having robbed the Bank of England itself and having planted a fake bomb at 10 Downing Street, his latest coup, namely the theft of the Queen’s crown, causes the Home Office to get serious and start to collaborate with Scotland Yard. This, furthermore, leads to Francis Blake to call your colleague Philip Mortimer so that the two can solve the case.

The initial approach takes us back to many detective intrigues and mysterious stories of the first half of the 20th century, while towards the end it will take us towards more science fiction terrain. pulp. But it is the alchemy between the two main characters that makes the narrative work perfectly, with many elements of what today in cinema we would define as a movie friend.

The enigma of Atlantis

In the second story the adventure begins with a speleological expedition to the Azores, where the arch-enemy of our protagonist couple, Olrikwill make its appearance. And with him will appear the descendants of the lost civilization of Atlantis to offer an adventure reminiscent of the ancient story of Jacobs. The radius U. It is perhaps in this story that we can remember most of the author’s inventiveness with some of the most speculative and imaginative novels of Jules Verne.

As in the other stories in the volume, the author’s incontinence in writing long dialogues and sometimes useless supporting text boxes is the biggest problem with these comics. The density of these adventures is not an issue when it provides value to the experience, but it is an issue when that value is not provided.

SOS Meteors

Following a series of weather disasters that have devastated Europe, Mortimer responds to the invitation of his friend The Professor Labrousse. Mortimer becomes involved in a series of mysterious accidents and incidents, and uncovers evidence of an espionage plot with links to the Home Office, where his friend Blake and Commissioner Pradier They are working on similar cases.

Mortimer’s investigation into the causes of the weather anomalies uncovers a spy network called Cirrus whose goal seems to be to prepare the ground for a future invasion, bringing the plot to a much more apocalyptic level rolandemmerichiano than these comics ever were.

In the graphic section there is a slight and positive evolution compared to the previous integral, which is seen above all in this third part, raising these stories to the highest level, for the time, of the so-called European clear line completed with flat colours. Special mention for the fantastic reproduction by Norma Editorial, without which it would not be possible to appreciate these pages with such pleasure.

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Complete by Blake and Mortimer 2

SECOND DELIVERY OF THE COMPLETE COLLECTION OF ONE OF THE HEADS OF THE IX ART

Second volume of the complete edition of this legendary adventure series created by Edgar P. Jacobs. On this occasion, Blake and Mortimer will face dangers of a surprising and unknown nature in London, Paris and Atlantis. This edition is accompanied by extensive dossiers with a multitude of extras and previously unpublished illustrations.

This volume brings together three peaks of the series: The Yellow March, The Enigma of Atlántida and SOS Meteoros with extensive prologues by Álvaro Pons and Jorge García.

Authors: Edgar P. Jacobs